Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Jaramillo.
Hi Felicia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
my name is Felicia! I am a parent of two teen boys, both of which have special learning needs. My youngest son is on the Autism Spectrum, he is 15 now! A few years ago we moved to Battle Creek and didn’t know anyone. We were having the worst time in the public schools! It can be really ostracizing for families with disabilities/different abilities! I heard of a group called BC Batters, coached by a special needs teacher! It is a group where these kids can play and be part of a team regardless of their abilities! They could play and have fun WITH OTHER KIDS LIKE THEM! After a couple years, the coach had a lot on her plate and she stepped down. I couldn’t stand to see the group die, because my kids need friends! And so do those other kids who come! I took over the group. Cut to a few years later, the guys on the team are now 14,17,18,19,23, 27! Some of them are thriving, have good jobs, and even their own apartments! Some of them really struggle to find and keep jobs! They are expected to learn quickly, get bullied, and just have a really hard time! They want and need jobs! They want to be part of the community! They are my friends! They are fun! And they are capable of doing a lot of things! I went to KCC with the intention of eventually having a business that trains and hires people with special needs, because my sons need a good future…and I dove right into it. A project I did in marketing made me fall in love with my vision, and I ran with it! I started selling breads and jams last year at the farmers market, I have pivoted a time or two, and now I’m busting butt trying to get established so that I can provide more opportunities to the people in the community who need it! I was a food prize finalist last year and won the Global Recognition Award all in my first year! It is my second year, I expanded into a little hole in the wall for the summer. Now, I am lucky enough to get into a cafe downtown this October! I’m just going to keep climbing a ladder until I get where I need to be! I want to make a movement, not just in our community, but I hope other communities as well! If you don’t have someone close to you with different abilities and needs, you know someone who does, and their quality of life is important! Let’s make some opportunities while eating good! We don’t need charity, we need opportunities! “Everyone is ABLE at DelectABLE!!!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say smooth, but I will say…I feel I am exactly where I need to be, when I need to be there! I have been blessed with a lot of opportunity in my community that other communities might not have access to. Battle Creek has a lot of opportunities for education and support for entrepreneurs, but more specifically even, food entrepreneurs. Access to capital is the biggest setback. I have bootstrapped through the entire endeavor. Lucky for me, I have an incredible support system that believes in my vision. So many people have pointed me in the right direction, and plugged me with incredible contacts. Another struggle I feel sometimes, I am not from the area, I am from Ohio and haven’t really made too many connections until I started this business. Getting our name and mission out there has felt so difficult sometimes; But then I get an awesome customer who will rave about me to a bunch of other people, and my spirits definitely perk up!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I enjoy making food and seeing people happy because of it! Everyone loves to eat! People also like feeling good about what they are eating! I think when you get a gourmet sandwich or sweet treat, and you can see that your purchase is making a positive impact in your own community…that’s pretty special! I have been known by two names at my mobile dessert business, “The donut lady” and “the bagel lady”! So, I suppose that is what I am best known for! If not that, I hope its for the relationships I build with people. I really enjoy connecting with others. I think probably because I have seen a lot of highs and lows, I never want someone to feel alone in this world. I try to always make connections with people because you never know what someone is going through. Everyone needs a friend. Everyone deserves to feel seen and heard, That’s why I enjoy what I do. I get to see so many different people and make so many fun connections.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking? Oh my. I have taken my fair share of risks in life. Risks I am proud of, and others I am not! Ha! I think…you gotta spend money to make money. Also, if you don’t have money, you’re ability to help a lot of other people is very limited! I will say that I am a mild risk taker! I’m not going to go put it all on red at the casino, but I will invest in myself if it makes sense!
Pricing:
- Bagel with Spread $5.00
- Bagel Sandwich $12.50
- Pie Bombs $5.00
- Doughnut $3.00 and up
- Gluten Free Scone/Muffin $6.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://delectabletreatsandsweets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delectable_treats_and_sweets/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557690323679
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-jaramillo-607b82340/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/delectable-treats-and-sweets-springfield-2
